Juninho Moves On To Club Tijuana

The Los Angeles Galaxy announced Wednesday that they have transferred midfielder Juninho to ClubTijuana. Juninho is Club Tijuana Xoloitzcuintles fourth off-season acquisition. The 26-year-old Brazilian midfielder joins MiguelHerrera’s side in time for the 2016 Clausura season.

Vitor Gomes Pereira Junior, Juninho, services were purchased on a three-year contract. The Brazilian midfielder joined the Los Angeles Galaxy in 2010 on a loan deal from SaoPaulo. The Brazilian midfielder joined the L.A. Galaxy three years later on a permanent contract.

Juninho was a key figure in the Los Angeles Galaxy midfield in their winning seasons in Major League Soccer. Juninho was crucial in the L.A. Galaxy’s 2014 season being paired up with fellow Brazilian MarceloSarvas. Junior scored a vital free kick goal in that playoff series against the SeattleSounders at Century Link Stadium in Seattle Washington.

L.A. Galaxy head coach BruceArena stated “We thank Juninho for his contributions on and off the field during his time here” and “We wish him the best of luck with Tijuana.”

Juninho tallied a total of 18 goals for the Los Angeles Galaxy and three MLS Cups during his time in L.A. Juninho posted a letter thanking the fans of the LA Galaxy in the same manner how OmarGonzalez did when he transferred to Pachuca.

“It has been a privilege and an honor to have worn the LA Galaxy jersey for the past six seasons, I have worn it with pride, however, it is time for me to trade in my Galaxy jersey for a new one” wrote Juninho in his letter.

“I’ve always welcomed the opportunity for growth and for change. To play for Club Tijuana in Mexico is a tremendous opportunity for me” stated the Brazilian midfielder. Juninho could potentially play one more game at Stub Hub Center as the Galaxy host Club Tijuana Xoloitzcuintles in a exhibition match on February 9.

Juninho will be a great addition to Miguel Herrera’s squad, which are due to begin the 2016 Clausura season January 8 against Pachuca at the Estadio Caliente. Juninho’s diligent work ethic and technical skill will add great possibilities to the Club Tijuana midfield.

The opening game in Liga MX has two former L.A. Galaxy greats potentially squaring off against each other. Club Tijuana will entertain Pachuca week 1 which will have Juninho playing against Omar Gonzalez. For Galaxy fans this is a great occasion to see the defender off in a venue not too far from home.